Finding the best general liability insurance companies for a small business can be tough. Who offers the best general liability insurance? Who sells the most reliable liability insurance? How do I choose general liability insurance? All of these are important questions to ask as a small business owner.
Every business needs general liability insurance companies to protect it. Your business could be held responsible for injuries or damages without coverage. There could be lawsuits and costs you pay out of pocket if you don’t have small business general liability insurance. The best general liability insurance for small businesses makes sure everything is covered for your business, employees, vendors, and customers.
Here are 9 of the top commercial insurance companies in 2023:
- The Hartford: Best general liability insurance for companies with higher liability risks
- Hiscox: Best general liability insurance for professional services industries
- CNA: Best general liability insurance for manufacturers, construction, and real estate
- Chubb: Best general liability insurance with financial strength and customer satisfaction
- Nationwide: Best general liability insurance for farmers and other agribusinesses
- Travelers: Best general liability insurance for tech and highly regulated companies
- Gallagher: Best general liability insurance brokerage with ethical standards
- biBERK: Best general liability insurance for small to medium-sized businesses
- Liberty Mutual: Best general liability insurance for large construction contractors
| AM Best Rating | Coverage Time | Quote Process | Average Pricing | |
| The Hartford | A+ | Next day | Online | $55/month |
| Hiscox | A | Instant | Phone or Online | High, but with 5-25% discounts |
| CNA | A | Depends on agent | Online, Phone, Email, or Fax | Customized |
| Chubb | A++ | Usually within 24 hours | Online | $322/year |
| Nationwide | A+ | Instant | Online or Phone | $394/year |
| Travelers | A+ | Depends on agent | Online, Phone, or Email | Customized |
| Gallagher | A | Depends on multiple factors | Online or Phone Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Customized |
| biBerk | A++ | Usually within 24 hours | Online or Phone | $500/year |
| Liberty Mutual | A | Depends on agent | Phone | Customized |
9 Best General Liability Insurance Companies
Although it’s recommended that you conduct your own research to find the most appropriate general liability insurance, you can save time with our breakdown of top companies’ benefits, drawbacks, and coverage options.
The Hartford – Best For Higher Risk Companies
For all companies dealing with higher liability risks you’ll want coverage from The Hartford. This general liability insurance company has over 200 years of experience. Quotes, claims, and support are covered in a variety of ways, with details outlined on the company’s website. Hartford has outstanding financial stability. Coverage and quote times are quick. Hartford’s rates tend to be very affordable.
Pros:
- Outstanding financial status
- Next day coverage
- Online access to quotes
Cons:
- No coverage in Alaska, Hawaii, or New Jersey
- Quote must be finalized by speaking to an agent, not online
Hiscox – Best For Service Industry Coverage
Working in the service industry can be tough. Hiscox makes sure to provide outstanding general liability for companies in that sector. They are a general liability insurance company that keeps up with the times. Hiscox has a mobile app that’s easy to use and a website that lets you pick the general liability insurance that fits your company.
Pros:
- Great financial rating
- Instant coverage
- Quotes available online or via phone
- Lots of discounts available
Cons:
- Prices can be high
- Full coverage not offered
- Multiple providers needed for coverage
CNA – Best For Manufacturing and Property
There is no one who beats CNA’s general liability insurance coverage in the manufacturing, construction, and real estate market. The best general liability insurance for your small business might come bundled. That’s what CNA does best. With a wide variety of options and customized plans, you’ll get the best general liability policy.
Pros:
- Great financial rating
- Quotes available online or via phone, email, and fax
- Customized pricing offered
Cons:
- Mixed customer reviews
- Longer wait time to get access to policy
- Finalizing quote requires speaking to an agent on the phone
Chubb – Best For Customer Satisfaction and Security
Outstanding financial strength and customer satisfaction are just the beginning. Chubb offers stellar customer service with top financial stability ratings. Policies that cover a wide variety of businesses with an extensive agent network.
Pros:
- Outstanding financial rating
- Quality customer service
- Wide coverage network
Con:
- Prices can be high
- Limited online quoting system
- No customer service via phone
Nationwide – Best For Farmers and Ranchers
Agribusinesses – including farms, orchards, and ranches – should consider Nationwide for general liability insurance. Customers are happy with Nationwide. Very few filed any complaints with state regulators about general liability insurance from 2018 to 2021, a rarity in the insurance business.
Pros:
- Great financial rating
- Instant coverage
- Quotes available online or via phone
Cons:
- Policies cannot be purchased online
- Longer wait time to get access to policy
Travelers – Best For Tech Companies
Comprehensive general liability insurance for tech and highly regulated companies comes from Travelers. With over 100 years of experience and a wide network of agents, Travelers is one of the most comprehensive general liability insurance companies.
Pros:
- Great financial rating
- Quotes available online or via phone and email
- Customized pricing offered
Cons:
- Agent must secure policy over the phone
- Longer wait time to get access to policy
Gallagher – Best General Liability Insurance Brokerage
Small businesses looking for general liability insurance and are not sure where to start should contact Gallagher to get the best options. With 90 years of experience, Gallagher has a history of working with general liability insurance companies. Gallagher has been named one the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and “Ethisphere” according to Ethisphere Institute in March 2022.
Pros:
- Great financial rating
- Customized pricing offered
Cons:
- Gallagher is not an insurance provider, just a brokerage
- Broker fees attached to policies
biBERK – Best For Small To Medium Sized Businesses
If you are just starting out or expanding your small business to the next level, consider biBerk as an insurance provider. Get a quote. Purchase a policy. File claims. All of this can be done online with biBerk. Access to all your documents and info is right at your fingertips.
Pros:
- Outstanding financial rating
- Next day coverage
- Quotes available online or via phone
Cons:
- Coverage not offered in all states
- Specialized coverage not offered
Liberty Mutual – Best For Construction Contractors
Large construction contractors can rest easy knowing they have Liberty Mutual as their provider of general liability insurance for all jobs. Numerous policies are available. Tons of specialized coverage are offered. Liberty is available across the United States. It is easy to see why Liberty Mutual is one of the best general liability insurance for small businesses.
Pros:
- Great financial rating
- Customized pricing offered
- Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- Policyholders cannot file claims online.
- Short-term liability not offered.
Methodology
Our list is composed of general liability insurance companies with an AM Best financial ratings of A or better. Another qualifying factor includes: how long it takes to get coverage. Preference was given to companies that offer online quote and bind options. We also considered pricing and preferred companies with average to below-average pricing. Customer reviews was the last area of consideration where we wanted to represent companies that have positive reviews for the most part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who offers the best general liability insurance?
The best general liability insurance for small business include Chubb, The Hartford, Hiscox, CNA, Nationwide, Travelers, biBerk, Gallagher, and Liberty Mutual.
Who sells the most reliable liability insurance?
How do I choose general liability insurance?
Conclusion
Picking the best general liability insurance for small businesses is never easy. Luckily, there are some top-rated general liability insurance companies who can walk you through the process. With track records of success and support, these companies can find the right general liability insurance for your small business.
